GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY : Wednesday - August 31, 2022

Wednesday - August 31, 2022

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.

-- Saint Francis de Sales  

August 31, 2022

Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 433

 

Reading I     

                                                                                    1 COR 3:1-9

 

Brothers and sisters,

I could not talk to you as spiritual people,

but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ.

I fed you milk, not solid food,

because you were unable to take it.

Indeed, you are still not able, even now,

for you are still of the flesh.

While there is jealousy and rivalry among you,

are you not of the flesh, and walking

according to the manner of man?

Whenever someone says, “I belong to Paul,” and another,

“I belong to Apollos,” are you not merely men?

 

What is Apollos, after all, and what is Paul?

Ministers through whom you became believers,

just as the Lord assigned each one.

I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth.

Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything,

but only God, who causes the growth.

He who plants and he who waters are one,

and each will receive wages in proportion to his labor.

For we are God’s co-workers;

you are God’s field, God’s building.

 

Responsorial Psalm                                           PS 33:12-13, 14-15, 20-21

 

R. (12) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

 

Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,

the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.

From heaven the LORD looks down;

he sees all mankind.

R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

From his fixed throne he beholds

all who dwell on the earth,

He who fashioned the heart of each,

he who knows all their works.

R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Our soul waits for the LORD,

who is our help and our shield,

For in him our hearts rejoice;

in his holy name we trust.

R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

 

Alleluia                                              Phil 2 LK 4:18          

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor

and to proclaim liberty to captives.

R. Alleluia

 

Gospel                                                           LK 4:38-44

 

After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon.

Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever,

and they interceded with him about her.

He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her.

She got up immediately and waited on them.

 

At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases

brought them to him.

He laid his hands on each of them and cured them.

And demons also came out from many, shouting, “You are the Son of God.”

But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak

because they knew that he was the Christ.

 

At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place.

The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him,

they tried to prevent him from leaving them.

But he said to them, “To the other towns also

I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God,

because for this purpose I have been sent.”

And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

 

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ARE YOU ON MILK OR SOLID FOOD?

Hungry for God? Sure you are! If you didn’t have a spiritual appetite, you wouldn’t be reading these Good News Reflections. But what type of hunger do you have? Some people are satisfied with baby food. They want everything pureed for them, i.e., they want the truth to be plain and simple, clear-cut, black and white with no grey areas, nothing to chew on. This kind of faith is effortless and easy.

 

However, St. Paul says in today’s first reading that this level of faith means we are “still of the flesh”. It takes hard work to understand the truth on a deeper level, with all of its nuances, and it takes the same hard work to overcome the sinful desires of our flesh-nature. Jealousy, quarrels, divisions, greed, anger, impatience, swearing, complaining, addictions, selfishness, and all the other vices we succumb to are indications that we haven’t put enough effort into deepening our understanding of the truth.

 

It takes spiritual maturity to appreciate — and respond to — the desires of our holy nature, which was given to us by the Holy Spirit during our baptisms. Paul told the “baby” Christians of Corinth that they were God’s “field” (to be harvested) and “building” (still under construction). This is our starting point. God has planted us in his field. He has built his foundation in our lives.

 

But then what? Do we want to stay in this baby stage?

 

When we accept the hard labor of growing in holiness, we become God’s co-workers. As partners in his mission, we are his earthly hands that plant seeds and that build up others on his foundation.

 

In the more advanced stages of spiritual understanding, we accept suffering and sacrifice as part of the mortar that holds the building together. We see beyond what’s obvious and we accept the guidance of God even when it doesn’t make sense. We accept Christ’s ministry (a glimpse of which we see in today’s Gospel reading) as our own, even with all of its hardships.

 

As we proclaim in today’s responsorial Psalm, “Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.” However, we cannot enter into this blessing if we act like babies; babies cry out: “give me, feed me, hold me”.

 

Infants are ignorant, but ignorance (contrary to the old cliché) is not bliss. Ignorance leads us into danger, which is why toddlers should not go out into the street alone. Ignorance also hides many exciting challenges, and so we miss wonderful opportunities to make a good difference in the world.

 

In the more advanced stages of spiritual understanding, we go with Jesus wherever he goes. The work of sharing in Christ’s mission is not accomplished in baby cribs. Cribs have bars that hold us back. Ministry — making a difference in the lives of others — occurs outside the security of our comfort zones.

 

Today's Prayer

 

I thank You, my Lord, because You don’t let anything stop You from rescuing me, healing me and delivering me from all my fears. I praise You, because everything is in Your loving hands. Amen.

 

 

God Bless You.....

The Rosary Family

The mother of Jesus promised St. Dominic that, “one day through the rosary & the scapular I shall save the world!”

GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY : Tuesday - August 30, 2022

Tuesday - August 30, 2022

Religious pictures themselves will not make a family good. Only when they are contemplated upon, are they a practical way to help true Christian sentiment, and to a true Christian way of living in the family. 

-- St. John Vianney

August 30, 2022

Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 432

 

Reading I     

                                                                                    1 COR 2:10B-16

 

Brothers and sisters:

The Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.

Among men, who knows what pertains to the man

except his spirit that is within?

Similarly, no one knows what pertains to God except the Spirit of God.

We have not received the spirit of the world

but the Spirit who is from God,

so that we may understand the things freely given us by God.

And we speak about them not with words taught by human wisdom,

but with words taught by the Spirit,

describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms.

 

Now the natural man does not accept what pertains to the Spirit of God,

for to him it is foolishness, and he cannot understand it,

because it is judged spiritually.

The one who is spiritual, however, can judge everything

but is not subject to judgment by anyone.

 

For “who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to counsel him?”

But we have the mind of Christ.

 

Responsorial Psalm                                           PS 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13AB, 13CD-14

 

R. (17) The Lord is just in all his ways.

 

The LORD is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger and of great kindness.

The LORD is good to all

and compassionate toward all his works.

R. The Lord is just in all his ways.

Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,

and let your faithful ones bless you.

Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom

and speak of your might.

R. The Lord is just in all his ways.

Making known to men your might

and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,

and your dominion endures through all generations.

R. The Lord is just in all his ways.

The LORD is faithful in all his words

and holy in all his works.

The LORD lifts up all who are falling

and raises up all who are bowed down.

R. The Lord is just in all his ways.

 

Alleluia                                              Phil 2 LK 7:16          

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

A great prophet has arisen in our midst

and God has visited his people.

R. Alleluia

 

Gospel                                                           LK 4:31-37

 

Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee.

He taught them on the sabbath,

and they were astonished at his teaching

because he spoke with authority.

In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon,

and he cried out in a loud voice,

“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?

Have you come to destroy us?

I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”

Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!”

Then the demon threw the man down in front of them

and came out of him without doing him any harm.

They were all amazed and said to one another,

“What is there about his word?

For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits,

and they come out.”

And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.

 

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JUDGING AND JUDGMENTALISM

What’s the difference between scrutinizing everything (as in today’s first reading) and being judgmental, which, as we know, Jesus firmly described as a sin? St. Paul says here that “the one who is spiritual can judge everything.”

 

The difference is between a what and a who. In observing a what — a situation, an idea, a behavior — the Holy Spirit scrutinizes it, and if we’re listening to God, we hear his opinion about it. But how do we know we’re not listening to our own opinions, which can be biased because of our limited perceptions and which have been trained by the limited perspectives of others and the foolishness of the world?

 

A good relationship with the Holy Spirit is essential for good listening. The more we rely on Jesus, trusting him more than we trust ourselves, the more open our spirits are to the promptings of his Spirit.

 

In observing a who, we err by making conclusions, because we do not fully know the other’s heart and motive and level of accountability — only God does; only God can serve as The Judge. We can correctly identify when people are sinning, but we can only make assumptions about why, how much they understand, and how much they can be held accountable. Assumptions can never be trusted.

 

Even when our assumptions are correct, we’re not free to judge the sinner, because a judge is one who has the authority to impose sentence. Only God has that authority, for only God is free of sin. Remember what Jesus told the guys who wanted to stone the adulterous woman: Who can cast the first stone?

 

Today’s responsorial Psalm tells us how God serves as Judge (are we like this?): gracious and merciful, slow to anger, great in kindness, good to the sinner, etc. We’re quick to condemn. We get frustrated when people don’t get the punishment they deserve. And yet, how grateful we are that God does not condemn us so quickly! Ahhh, the sin of hypocrisy rears its ugly face. Judgmentalism leads to one sin after another.

 

As Christians who are devoted to uniting ourselves to Christ, we have the mind of Christ, but let’s remember what is uppermost in Christ’s mind: “I did not come to the world to condemn it, but to save it.” We become obstacles in his way when we judge people. Redemption and justice only occur when we let Jesus decide how to make good come from every evil.

 

And by the way, you are a “who” too, so quit condemning yourself! Turn instead to God’s mercy and let Jesus redeem you from whatever you’ve done wrong.

 

Today's Prayer

 

May the authority of Your liberating love, which You gave to humanity, fill my being and the hearts of those who are seeking You, beloved Lord! Amen.

 

 

God Bless You.....

The Rosary Family

The mother of Jesus promised St. Dominic that, “one day through the rosary & the scapular I shall save the world!”

GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY : Monday - August 29, 2022

Monday - August 29, 2022

Pray, and pray more. It may seem odd to say that now when you are taking examinations and working harder. But you need prayer, and not only the habitual prayer as an exercise of devotion; you also need to pray during odd moments, to pray between times, instead of allowing your mind to wander on stupidities. It does not matter if, in spite of your effort, you do not manage to concentrate and be recollected. That meditation may be of greater value than the one you made, with all ease, in the oratory.

~~St. Josemaría Escrivá

August 29, 2022

MEMORIAL OF THE PASSION OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST

Lectionary: 431/634

 

Reading I     

                                                                                    1 Cor 2:1-5

 

When I came to you, brothers and sisters,

proclaiming the mystery of God,

I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom.

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you

except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling,

and my message and my proclamation

were not with persuasive words of wisdom,

but with a demonstration of spirit and power,

so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom

but on the power of God.

 

Responsorial Psalm                                           Ps 119:97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102

 

R. (97) Lord, I love your commands.

 

How I love your law, O LORD!

It is my meditation all the day.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

Your command has made me wiser than my enemies,

for it is ever with me.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

I have more understanding than all my teachers

when your decrees are my meditation.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

I have more discernment than the elders,

because I observe your precepts.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

From every evil way I withhold my feet,

that I may keep your words.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

From your ordinances I turn not away,

for you have instructed me.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

 

Alleluia                                              Phil 2 Mt 5:10          

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,

for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

R. Alleluia

 

Gospel                                                           Mk 6:17-29

 

Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison

on account of Herodias,

the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.

John had said to Herod,

“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Herodias harbored a grudge against him

and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.

Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man,

and kept him in custody.

When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed,

yet he liked to listen to him.

She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday,

gave a banquet for his courtiers,

his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.

Herodias’ own daughter came in

and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests.

The king said to the girl,

“Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.”

He even swore many things to her,

“I will grant you whatever you ask of me,

even to half of my kingdom.”

She went out and said to her mother,

“What shall I ask for?”

She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”

The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request,

“I want you to give me at once

on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

The king was deeply distressed,

but because of his oaths and the guests

he did not wish to break his word to her.

So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders

to bring back his head.

He went off and beheaded him in the prison.

He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl.

The girl in turn gave it to her mother.

When his disciples heard about it,

they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

 

**********************************

 

WHY DOESN’T GOD PROTECT US FROM ALL HARM?

In today’s Gospel reading, God fails to protect John the Baptist. Was it because John didn’t pray for protection? He probably did! So why was he killed if not because God abandoned him? Perhaps he had strayed from God’s will? No. Herod killed him while John was doing the Lord’s work.

 

Based on this, we might surmise that working for God is not safe. It sure seems so whenever we take an unpopular stand on the truth. And I could tell you lots of personal stories about sufferings that happen because of my commitment to work deeply in ministry, which I’m pretty sure are temptations to quit doing ministry. (Don’t worry; such temptations only drive me to work for God with greater determination.)

 

I can imagine myself marching up to Almighty God, hands on my hips, saying, “Well? How about it? Why didn’t You protect me from ___ and ___? Where were You? How can You promise protection and then let me down? What do You have to say for Yourself, huh?”

 

However, as in every struggle, every persecution, and every emotional or spiritual earthquake, we have to humbly assume that there’s something about the Bigger Picture that we can’t yet see, something we can’t yet understand. Eventually, in this life or the next, God will reveal it and we will go, “Ahhhhhhhhh.” And John the Baptist in heaven will nod his head and say, “It was all worth it.” And we will agree.

 

In the meantime, instead of asking “Where are You, God? Why are You letting this happen to me?” we should ask, “Which is more important: protection from suffering or doing what God wants me to do for the sake of the salvation of others?” (Note: I am not suggesting that we allow an abusive person to continue suppressing us; such abuse must be stopped or fled; we’re helping no one if we allow it to continue.)

 

Another way to word this question is: “Which is more important: my physical comfort or the world’s spiritual discomfort?”

 

Let’s be honest. We prefer to feel comfortable. We avoid situations that might result in persecution. We tend to be people-pleasers instead of God-pleasers, so that others will like us and approve of us.

 

Ever since I gave my heart to the Catholic Church in 1977, I’ve devoted my daily life to working for Christ’s kingdom on earth. Could I not also devote my sufferings and even my death to his kingdom? I pray that God will grant me the opportunity, even in death, to help others discover the fullness of his love, and I pray that, until then, I will be filled with his grace so that I can ignore my desire to be comfortable.

 

If you make a similar request, you’ll discover that your life is much more meaningful and your death — even if it’s by martyrdom — is no longer fearsome.

 

Today's Prayer

 

I praise You and thank You, Lord Jesus, because You spared nothing to save us and to give us abundant life. I want to receive this gift with all my heart! Amen.

 

God Bless You.....

The Rosary Family

The mother of Jesus promised St. Dominic that, “one day through the rosary & the scapular I shall save the world!”